Apple has begun development on a new H3 chip for future AirPods models, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The news comes after the reported launch of the AirPods Pro 3 last month, which utilized the H2 chip from 2022. The upgrades for that model were primarily hardware-based, including larger batteries and foam-infused ear tips, rather than silicon-based improvements.
In his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman states that Apple’s silicon group is now working on the H3 chip. No specific timeline for its release was provided.
With the AirPods Pro 3 out the door, Apple has already turned its development attention to another new version of its high-end in-ear buds. The company’s silicon group is working on an H3 chip designed for less lag time and better audio quality.
Apple is expected to release a version of the AirPods Pro 3 equipped with IR cameras sometime next year. The report suggests the new H3 chip could debut in this model to provide the necessary processing power for camera-related features. However, the article also notes it is unlikely that a model still under the “AirPods Pro 3” name would contain a higher-end chip.
In addition to the H3 chip, Apple is also working on a new entry-level model, the AirPods 5. This follows the reported launch of the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation last year. Gurman reports that both entry-level tiers will receive an update. He does not anticipate that the heart-rate monitor featured in the AirPods Pro 3 will be included in the AirPods 5.
The report mentions that Apple is looking to add more health features to its audio products over time, such as a temperature reader, but it is not clear if this feature is planned for the AirPods 5. No launch timeline for the AirPods 5 was provided, though it is described as a modest update that could potentially use the new H3 chip.
The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 w/ ANC are currently listed on sale for $89 and $119, respectively.
